The decreasing air quality in Delhi has become a cause for serious concern. Recent reports suggest that the air quality in the city is equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes a day. With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 978, Delhi now has the worst air quality among all major cities, putting residents at significant health risk.

As November begins, the air quality in Delhi has been deteriorating with each passing day. Several factors are contributing to this decline, including the widespread use of firecrackers during festivals and the seasonal burning of stubble in neighbouring states. These activities, combined with other pollutants, are intensifying the city's already poor air quality, posing a serious threat to public health and well-being.

Delhi is struggling for breath

Residents of Delhi are facing a health crisis, struggling for fresh air as the AQI reaches the worst levels. According to aqi.in the Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) as of Nov 18 stood at 978 which is equal to smoking 49.02 cigarettes per day.

The Supreme Court has slammed the AAP-led state government over the delay in enforcing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) despite the alarming air quality in the national capital.

The bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said that it would not allow any leniency in preventive measures under stage 4 of GRAP, even if the AQI drops below 450. With the rising pollution levels, schools, except for grades 10 and 12, have opted for offline classes.

AQI in other states

Haryana

It comes in second spot if we talk about the AQI. Haryana has an AQI level of 631 which is equal to smoking 33.25 cigarettes each day. Every year, both Haryana and Delhi suffer from smog and toxic particles due to stubble burning. On Monday, Haryana is expected to have a minimum temperature of 16.55°C and a maximum of 27.56°C. 

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has an AQI of 273 which is equivalent to smoking  10.16 cigarettes per day. The maximum temperature in UP goes up to 31 degrees celsius and the minimum up to 13 degrees Celsius. While the humidity stood at 21%.

Punjab

The state with the most common case of stubble burning is Punjab. It has an AQI of 233 which is equal to smoking 8.34 cigarettes each day. Delhi CM Atishi Marlena raised their voice on increasing pollution and said if AAP-led Punjab can reduce stubble burning up to 80 per cent then "why are the cases increasing in other states".

What about other states

A data map from 'India in Pixels' reveals that Ladakh has such a clean air quality that it's equivalent to not smoking any cigarettes each day.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeastern part of India, has an air quality index of 13, which is roughly the same as smoking just 0.18 cigarettes a day, making it one of the cleanest regions in terms of air quality. This helps keep the lungs of its residents in excellent condition.

The state’s temperatures ranged from a maximum of 25°C to a minimum of 18°C, with a humidity level of 45%.